Martinez likely to return to action next week

JOHN SLEEPER, FOR THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published July 25

SEATTLE -- Mariners manager Lou Piniella said designated hitter Edgar Martinez probably will be activated off the disabled list by Tuesday, when the team starts its seven-game road trip in Detroit.

"Everything looks positive," Piniella said. "Everything looks to be on schedule. Everybody seems to be optimistic, including Edgar."

Martinez, 38, strained a left quadriceps muscle July 15 against Arizona. He was hitting .299, with 14 home runs, 70 RBI and 27 doubles. He is second in the AL in on-base percentage (.431).

-GIPSON TALKS ABOUT THE PLAY: Reserve outfielder Charles Gipson said he was fairly salivating when he saw Twins runner Chad Allen try to score on him in the eighth inning Monday with the M's ahead, 3-2.

"I thought I had a play on him," Gipson said. "I knew they'd send him and I knew I needed to hit Dan (Wilson, the catcher) on the fly. It's something you dream about doing as an outfielder. When you get an opportunity, you want to be ready."

Gipson's peg was perfect, preserving Seattle's lead.

-M'S SHORT HOPS: The Mariners are the only team in the majors with four starters with nine or more victories. Aaron Sele, Freddy Garcia, Jamie Moyer and Paul Abbott were a combined 41-10 with a 3.73 ERA going into Tuesday night ... Speaking of pitching, Seattle's staff had a 1.85 ERA in the previous 15 games going into Tuesday night. That's since the Mariners allowed a season-high 14 runs against Texas July 5. In that span, starters have gone an average of 6 2/3 innings, with a 2.85 ERA. The bullpen allowed just two earned runs in 41 innings for a 0.44 ERA .

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